Spanish word

alimentar

Pronunciation

IPA/alimenˈtaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbfeed

Example

Tengo que alimentar al perro.

I have to feed the dog.

Illustration for alimentar (feed)

More examples

Ella suele alimentar al bebé cada dos horas.

She usually feeds the baby every two hours.

Core concept

Providing food and sustenance to a person or animal.

Common phrases

  • alimentar al perro

    feed the dog

  • alimentar a un bebé

    feed a baby

  • alimentar a alguien

    feed someone

Similar words

alimentarse: Eats and nourishes oneself by taking in food.
comer: Consumes food by putting it in the mouth and swallowing.
nutrirse: Absorbs nutrients from food to support growth and bodily health.

Definition in Spanish

Proveer de comida a alguien o a un animal; referirse también a mantener o abastecer con lo necesario para la nutrición.

Word origin

Alimentar comes from Latin alimentare, from alimentum 'nourishment' and the verb alere 'to nourish'.

Usage tips

  • Alimentar a alguien appears when the subject gives food to a person or animal, while alimentarse means to feed oneself, and Spanish uses the personal a with animate direct objects.

Other meanings

  • supportverb
  • supplyverb

Opposites

  • desnutrirundernourishverb
  • privardepriveverb

Related words

Word lists with this word